Governor Roy Cooper allowed two bills, H.B. 40, Anti-Rioting, and S.B. 53, Hotel Safety, to become law without his signature.

The Prevent Rioting and Civil Disorder bill would make rioting a felony if it resulted in over $2,500 worth of property damage, involved dangerous weapons or substances, or resulted in someone’s death. It would also make assaulting a police officer or emergency personnel a felony.

The previous version of the bill was met with strong opposition from Democrats and social justice advocates, who called it racist and intended to muzzle the exercise of First Amendment rights.
Cooper’s statement in a press release shows that he begrudgingly let it become law.

“I acknowledge that changes were made to modify this legislation’s effect after my veto of a similar bill last year,” he said. “Property damage and violence are already illegal and my continuing concerns about the erosion of the First Amendment and the disparate impacts on communities of color will prevent me from signing this legislation.”

All Republicans voted in favor of the bill. In contrast, 16 out of 17 Democratic senators voted against the bill — the sole Democratic senator who supported H.B. 40 was Sen. Mary Wills Bode, D-Granville.
In the state House, one of the lead sponsors of the bill is Rep. Shelly Willingham, D-Edgecombe. Willingham, a former law enforcement officer, supported the bill despite opposition from most in his party.
Legislators have renewed their push for the bill this year because of millions of dollars in property damage in Raleigh and across North Carolina during 2020 protests after the death of George Floyd.

“Nearly three years after violent protests devastated communities and businesses in North Carolina, I am pleased that this bipartisan legislation will finally become law,” said House Speaker Tim Moore in a statement issued Friday afternoon.

“While the First Amendment guarantees the right to peacefully protest, those who hijack otherwise peaceful demonstrations to cause chaos and destruction in our communities must be held accountable, and law enforcement must have our support to do just that. This bill has had bipartisan support since it was first introduced, and our communities will be safer now that this bill will finally become law,” said Moore.

Cooper also had mixed feelings about the Hotel Safety bill and explained his reasoning for not signing it.

“This bill was given broad support in the legislature and there are potential positive modifications being discussed by legislators,” he remarked. “However, safe housing is sometimes only available from temporary shelter such as hotels, and I remain concerned that this bill will legalize unfair treatment for those who need protection, and this will prevent me from signing it.”

Cooper vetoed similar legislation in 2021. This go around, the House voted 83-29 for the legislation, and it passed in the Senate last month by a 28-16 vote.

S.B. 53 states that landlord-tenant rules, which make it more difficult to remove an occupant, don’t apply when a person is staying at a hotel, motel, or RV park for fewer than 90 consecutive days.

The rules normally apply for home and apartment renters, sometimes requiring legal action to complete evictions. The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association also supported the measure.

Editor's note: Alex Baltzegar contributed to this article.

Fort Bragg will officially redesignate to Fort Liberty in a ceremony on June 2. The name Liberty honors the heroism, sacrifices, and values of the soldiers, service members, civilians and families who live and serve on the installation. According to a media release, Fort Bragg officials view this as the next chapter in the installation's history and look forward to honoring the stories of military heroes from every generation and walk of life.

A little over a year ago the community was asked to help find a name that would represent the values and characteristics that would have significance for everyone. Many distinguished members from the surrounding area participated and helped make this decision.

The name Fort Liberty was not chosen at random. The word conveys the aspiration of all who serve and has special significance to Fort Bragg units and the surrounding community.

For many, the idea that any other name would replace Fort Bragg would mean losing a part of who we have been, who we are, and who we will be in the future when the nation calls.

Those who served on the Naming Commission for Fort Bragg struggled to agree on one name from the more than 50 Medal of Honor recipients who could capture and encompass the scope and spirit of this installation. Each of them is just as deserving as the other.

What resonated among the Commission and community members was the desire to name the installation not after a single person, but a value or characteristic that would have significance for everyone.

A Gold Star mother stood up and said, “We are never going to agree. There are too many people. My son gave his life for liberty.”

And everyone said … Liberty!

Fort Bragg, located in North Carolina, is more than just a military installation. It is a symbol of pride and heritage for many service members and their families.

The name Fort Bragg has become a part of the sub-culture in the United States of service members who fought for it, and they see it as a valuable piece of their culture that is being taken away.

The All-American Division, based at Fort Bragg, is known for its history of overcoming cultural and racial boundaries, transcending history and racism. For those who have served and continue to serve at Fort Bragg, the name has become a symbol of that history and a banner of multi-cultural acceptance across generations.

While the name Fort Bragg has roots in the history of the Confederacy, it has also taken on a new meaning over time. It has become a part of the military culture, and changing it can feel like erasing a part of that culture. Service members and their families have a real and present connection to the base and the name, and it is important to understand and respect that connection.

The issue of changing the name to Fort Liberty is complex, and it is understandable that some service members and their families may feel a sense of loss or even anger at the change. It is important to listen to their concerns and to acknowledge the significance of the name Fort Bragg to their culture and history. While the change may be considered for progress and growth, it is important to do so in a way that is respectful and considerate of those who have served and continue to serve at the base.

In conclusion, Fort Bragg has become a symbol of acceptance and pride for many service members and their families, and changing it can feel like erasing a part of their culture. It is important to acknowledge and respect that connection while also recognizing the need for progress and growth. Any change should be done in a way that is respectful and considerate of the military sub-culture and the sacrifices of those who have served and continue to serve.

One of the most discriminatory laws on North Carolina’s books is the pistol purchase permit system, which was first implemented in 1919.

To summarize, before purchasing a handgun in the Tar Heel state, one must first obtain permission from the local sheriff in the form of a pistol purchase permit. Frustratingly, the many who don’t go through this process fail to realize this requirement is entirely redundant and prone to abuse, which is supported by both historical evidence and modern examples.

Many who oppose the repeal of this permit program no doubt fail to recognize that the background check performed by state sheriffs is completely duplicative, a pro-forma exercise. Even after someone acquires a pistol purchase permit, gun dealers can still perform a background check every single time a transaction is initiated.

Even more damning, the current permitting law was contrived during one of the most divisive periods in our state, not to mention, the entire South’s history — that being the Jim Crow era. Yes, the permitting system was originally devised to restrict those whom the government did not want to acquire handguns. We even have historical state newspaper clippings from the early 20th century that confirm the overwhelmingly disproportionate number of white to Black applicants who were granted these permits.

Unfortunately, the purchase permit system is still having a “Jim Crow effect” to this day. According to UNC School of Law’s North Carolina Law Review, Black citizens in one of North Carolina’s largest counties are still denied purchase permits three times more often than white citizens.

Furthermore, the COVID shutdowns gave anti-gun sheriffs an excuse that made obtaining purchase permits nearly impossible. The delays due to concerns about “stopping the spread” and minimizing large gatherings caused massive backlogs and waits, prompting lawsuits from Gun Owners of America and Grass Roots North Carolina.

Thankfully, due to the efforts of Tar Heel gun owners and lawmakers dedicated to restoring the rights of their citizens, an end to this duplicative and discriminatory policy is on the horizon.
With bipartisan support, both chambers of the General Assembly have passed legislation (SB 41) to not only repeal the pistol purchase permit system, but also close a “loophole” for church carry.

While no law prohibits firearms in houses of worship in North Carolina, many churches also have established private schools on their property. Due to the presence of the school, the entire property is statutorily classified as a “gun-free” zone. SB 41 will close this loophole and restore the right to carry firearms in churches when school is not in session.

Personally, I am a graduate of a private Christian school, a firearms instructor, and a volunteer church security team member. Keeping churches and schools safe is near and dear to my heart. My experience shows that removing this “defense free” prohibition from churches will make would-be mass shooters think twice before attacking, considering they could meet an armed resistance.

Ironically, Gov. Roy Cooper, a man who claims to be committed to ending racial discrimination and the remnants of the state’s racist past, is expected to veto S.B. 41, just as he vetoed similar legislation two years ago. Instead of regurgitating the partisan talking points and arguments unsupported by logic and fact, he should save himself more embarrassment and allow S.B. 41 to become law, with or without his signature.

Regardless of the governor’s final move, lawmakers and activists are confident that the General Assembly is prepared and capable to override a veto on this legislation, and yes, in a bipartisan fashion.
North Carolina doesn’t need a century-old Jim Crow law still on the books. It’s time for it to go.

Editor’s note: Jordan Stein is the Southeast Region Director for Gun Owners of America and a certified firearms instructor.

Earlier this month, Americans — all except for those living in Arizona, Hawaii and several American territories —“leapt forward” an hour in time to follow what we call Daylight Savings Time.

The rest of us continued doing what we have been doing for almost exactly 105 years. We changed the time of day, and will do so again in the fall, largely to suit commercial interests which may or may not align with our own.

Benjamin Franklin, a man of both great learning and original ideas, suggested Daylight Savings Time in 1784 as a way to conserve candles for the same reason we turn off lights and appliances we are not using today.

It was not officially adopted anywhere until the 20th century when parts of Canada and some European nations tried it, and the United States jumped on the bandwagon in 1918.
The idea was to give people more daylight hours for work, especially farm laborers, and it has since morphed into more daylight time for shopping, golfing and other commercial activities.

Increasingly, though, we Americans are telling pollsters we have had enough of time changing — that we are no longer interested in “springing forward” or “falling back.” Poll findings differ, of course, but most of them report at least half of us have had enough.

The problem is that we have not agreed on which time system to adopt and stick to, permanent standard time (known in our neck of the woods Eastern Standard Time or EST) or the relatively newer DST.
Permanent standard time advocates argue that it is more in synch with natural movements of the sun and with the human body’s inner clock, often referred to as our circadian rhythm. Daylight, they say, wakes us up naturally, and earlier sunset allows us to sleep longer and better. DST, they contend, upends our inner clocks, making us more prone to serious health conditions like obesity, metabolic problems, cardiovascular issues, and depression just to name a few problems no one wants.

Despite these arguments, permanent DST has its fans, many of whom say such a switch would be a boon to most Americans who are more productive during sunlight. They also promote Franklin’s candle argument, updated to electricity, of course, and contend daylight deters crime and promotes greater road safety.

As in so many situations, we can find a poll or an argument to support most any point of view, but the reality is no one really knows. What we do know, though, is that Americans are ready to stop time’s semi annual time hopping.

A number of states have already adopted permanent DST and are awaiting federal blessings. Hawaii, Arizona and several territories are already in permanent standard time, but there is no national consensus.
If I were Queen of America, I would wave my magic wand, and we would all be on standard time, which appears to be a human construct developed over eons to suit the human body’s need for both sun and rest.

That said, I could also live with DST if it prevailed.

Our neighbor, Mexico, saw the light late last year and abandoned DST and all the switching of clocks, apparently saying good riddance.

The point for me and millions of other Americans is that we pick one system of time for our nation and stick to it. We have had enough springing and falling.

No one is more excited about former Fayetteville Mayor Nat Robertson being named the new Chamber of Commerce president than I. Finally, we will have someone at the helm who knows business but, more importantly, knows the Fayetteville/Cumberland County community.

For far too long, Chamber leadership has focused on social and community-related issues unrelated to the business community. This has caused our Chamber organization to lose credibility, effectiveness, members and money.

Robertson has an excellent opportunity to turn the Chamber’s sinking ship around and steer it into a port where it can receive much-needed repair and rehabilitation. No doubt, Robertson is qualified and can do the job. Still, it will take dedicated hard work, a competent staff, talented and expert committee volunteers, and an engaged board of directors to convince local business owners that change is coming.

To this end, Roberston has wasted no time in this quest to rehabilitate the Chamber and make it valuable and relevant to the business community. He is working on shoring up his support staff, including the recent hiring of Chamber veteran Jenny Proctor. Proctor was the Director of Operations at the Chamber for seven years when she left in 2020 to pursue other endeavors. She has returned as Chief Financial Officer to assist Roberston in the Chamber turn-around.

No doubt about it, Proctor will be a considerable asset since she has Chamber experience and an extensive administrative background, and years of management and accounting expertise.
Every successful and thriving community has a strong Chamber of Commerce. With the growth we are experiencing in Fayetteville and Cumberland County, we must have an organization that focuses on its members and produces programs, initiatives and events advantageous to Chamber members and supporting sponsors and partners.

Chamber leadership must have a clear vision of the future and recognize opportunities that will catalyze a vibrant and robust business community. Equally important, an effective and influential Chamber must have the fortitude to represent local businesses and advocate for business-friendly public policies.

With new leadership and a common sense approach, there may be another opportunity for the Chamber to take advantage of. A week ago, the board of directors of Distinctly Fayetteville, formally known as the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, abruptly disengaged their Interim President and number two staffer.

The reason for their dismissal is still unclear and may never come to light considering Fayetteville leadership's reluctance and resistance to transparency. Nonetheless, an effective CVB is equally essential to a community as the Chamber of Commerce.

Our CVB, located on Person Street, is in a high-profile and convenient location, making it recognizable and accessible to visitors, guests and residents. In contrast, our Chamber of Commerce is located in the obscured halls of the Festival Park building on Ray Ave. Its location is neither easily recognizable nor accessible to businesses, visitors, guests and residents.

This writer believes a Chamber location should be highly visible, easily accessible, and located in the economic hub of the business community. I have heard our Chamber is entertaining moving to the Bronco Square Center on Murchinson Road across from Fayetteville State University. This is a lovely commercial complex, and even though the Chamber would add prestige and credibility to the Center, it fails drastically when fulfilling the Chamber’s mission of serving its business members and residents since that location is neither highly visible, easily recognizable, nor conveniently accessible to businesses, visitors, guests or residents.

Here comes the opportunity: With all the changes at Distinctly Fayetteville, it would be advantageous to all Fayetteville and Cumberland County concerns if the Chamber of Commerce was housed in the same location as the CVB. From my perspective, it would be a win-win consolidation that would yield many benefits to our community by taking advantage of basic economies of scale.

Pairing these two organizations would be a tour de force for marketing and promoting the Fayetteville community. It makes sense to take advantage of this opportunity. Then again, traditionally, Fayetteville and Cumberland County leadership seem to “never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.”

Congratulations to Nat Robertson, our new Chamber of Commerce CEO, and to Jenny Proctor, a hearty welcome back. You can count on our support.

Thanks for reading the Up & Coming Weekly newspaper.

The Cumberland County Department of Public Health will hold a “Vax Your Pet, Vax Yourself” clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 1 at the Health Department, 1235 Ramsey St.

Rabies vaccinations will cost $5 per pet. COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be free, according to a county news release.

Organizations will distribute free items and information about programs and services. The Cumberland County Public Library, Department of Social Services, Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) and the Public Health education team will participate, among others.

Barber Kings barbershop will offer free haircuts.

Pre-paid cards worth $10 to grocery and retail stores will be distributed to the first 35 people who receive a COVID-19 vaccine, flu vaccine, or STD test. In addition, $100 pre-paid cards will be raffled every hour.

The clinic is sponsored in part by the Cornelia “Neill” Bullock Wilkins Charitable Endowment Fund for Health of the Cumberland Community Foundation.
North Carolina law requires the owners of dogs and cats over 4 months old to be vaccinated against rabies. The pets must receive two rabies vaccinations one year apart, then one vaccination every three years thereafter. Owners are subject to a $100 civil penalty for noncomdpliance.

Pet owners are asked to keep dogs leashed and cats in separate carriers or boxes or left in a vehicle with the air conditioning on.

Payment will be by cash only, and exact change of $5 is requested for the vaccination fee.

Flu and COVID vaccinations

Flu shots will be free to everyone regardless of insurance status. A registration form and a copy of insurance cards, when applicable, is required. The insurance company will be billed. Children 18 and younger can receive a free flu vaccine.

The Department of Public Health administers Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations, including monovalent (original) and bivalent (fall boosters) vaccines. Vaccines will be free regardless of insurance status.

The health department also will offer an express clinic for sexually transmitted disease testing. Confidential tests for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and other STDs will be provided free of charge.

For more information about Cumberland County Department of Public Health programs, visit www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/public-health.

The Spring Lake Board of Aldermen will hear a financial report presented by the N.C. Local Government Commission at its work session March 27.
The meeting will be at 6 p.m. in the Grady Howard Conference Toom of the municipal complex.

David Erwin, the town’s finance officer and accounting and financial management adviser for the N.C. Department of the State Treasurer, is expected to

give the financial summary for the period ending Feb. 28.
The board last received a midyear budget report in January from Erwin that noted higher expenditures attributed to paying contracted financial staff.
Board members questioned invoices paid for the auditing firm Greg Isley CPA, including mileage, meals and hotel expenses and said the town needs to hire a permanent financial staff.

Also on the agenda for Monday is a discussion of the per-capita contribution to the Mid-Carolina Council of Governments and the return on that investment.

The town paid $2,871 for fiscal year 2022-23, which equals 24 cents for every resident, according to the 2010 census population of 11,964.
Alderwoman Sona Cooper said she added a discussion of those fees to the agenda because the board needs to make sure it is monitoring expenditures across the board.

On Friday, Cooper said she was not sure if the amount paid was correct and she was considering removing the item from the agenda until there was more information.

The Mid-Carolina Regional Council offers services to municipalities in Cumberland, Harnett and Sampson counties. Assistance includes management consultation; short-term staffing; budgeting and capital planning assistance; human resources; grants administration; strategic planning and retreats; and training for elected and appointed officials, according to its website.

The council also offers services for planning, zoning administration, subdivision review, project management and general technical assistance.
Samantha Wullenwaber, deputy executive director of the council, was the interim town manager of Spring Lake from March to December 2021. She also was the budget officer, finance officer and a secondary check-signer for the town.

She began working with the Mid-Carolina Regional Council on Dec. 3 and continued serving as interim town manager through an interlocal agreement among the council, the town and the Local Government Commission.

On March 3, Mid-Carolina submitted a notice of termination of town manager services effective April 3. On March 17, town officials chose to terminate the services early without a public vote.

Wullenwaber worked with the Local Government Commission as it took financial control of Spring Lake in October 2021 and was lauded in an audit report released the same day she was terminated as providing a more detailed financial report than what the town ultimately submitted.

The board is also expected to go into closed session on matters of attorney-client privilege and personnel.

The board also is in the process of interviewing candidates to be a permanent town manager. Fire Chief Jason Williams has served as interim town manager for several months. Williams will return to his job as fire chief after when a town manager is hired.

Interviews for the job are ongoing.

How does this impact you?

That’s the question I ask myself before considering every bill I introduce, cosponsor, or vote on as your Congressman.

With our new Republican majority in place, we have hit the ground running this year — and we will not slow down. From stopping soft-on-crime policies, defending the Second Amendment with my Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, protecting our strategic oil reserves, standing up to socialism and the Chinese Communist Party’s use of a spy balloon over U.S. territory, and voting to end COVID-19 vaccine mandates — House Republicans have delivered results for you and families across the country.

Following a productive work week, I returned to Washington last week where we built on this work with more than a dozen hearings to hold the Biden administration accountable on issues including the origins of COVID-19 and the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Last week we also advanced my HALT Fentanyl Act, one important stop to keep fentanyl out of our communities and away from our children. The fentanyl crisis has only gotten worse due to the open border policies of the Biden administration, as thousands of pounds of fentanyl continue to pour into our country every month. No parent should have to endure the loss of their child to fentanyl poisoning or overdose, and

I'm proud to support North Carolinians who turn loss into advocacy, such as Matthew's Choice out of Sanford.

My bill now advances to the full Energy and Commerce committee before heading to the House floor. With a record amount of drug overdose deaths and fentanyl poisonings occurring right here in North Carolina, putting an end to the lethal amounts of drugs and fentanyl present in our communities is a priority.

I was also honored to introduce bipartisan legislation to secure a statue of the late Reverend Billy Graham to represent our state. I will continue to work with my colleagues to place this once-in-a-generation faith leader in the U.S. Capitol.

Last week, I also continued my work to improve our nation’s pandemic preparedness and response. During the last pandemic, our nation learned there are many things we can improve in our preparedness for Public Health Emergencies. Congress has to reauthorize the law that governs our response this fall. As the lead Republican on this effort, I released a Request for Information from stakeholders and citizens across the country on how the U.S. can be better prepared when taking on future emergencies. I look forward to reviewing the information submitted and leading bipartisan discussions of how we can improve our nation’s response efforts.

To close out the month of February, I introduced a resolution supporting the designation of February 28 as "Rare Disease Day." I have long worked to improve access to treatments and therapies for Americans who are affected by rare diseases.

Working with my colleagues to advance common sense solutions is part of my commitment to you as your Congressman. I will never stop fighting for you, our community, and our nation.

Full Disclosure: I'm not a fan of City Councilman Mario Benavente. Over the years, his actions and behavior have defined his persona as a self-indulgent opportunist. Benavente is a remarkably intelligent and knowledgable young man, very capable of analyzing complex situations and articulating them along with common sense solutions. Hopefully, he will use these God-given talents for the greater good of the Fayetteville community.

I must give credit where credit is due. Benavente’s recent comment about extending the City Council members terms to four years are right on the mark: “It’s crucial that if we want to make such a drastic change to the way that this city operates that it once again goes to the vote of the people and should not rely simply on City Council to benefit themselves by changing the rules to give themselves more time.”

Journalist Bill Kirby, Jr. and former Councilman Ted Mohn both speak out about the prospect of changing city elected officials' term limits along with the true intentions of District 6 Councilman Derrick Thompson.
I agree wholeheartedly with Ted Mohn’s assessment of Thompson in his comparison to the late honorable District 6 representative Bill Crisp. Thompson definitely is no Bill Crisp. And, the same can be said of former District 6 representative Chris Davis, who also failed to live up to the reputation of Bill Crisp’s dedication, commitment to duty, and concern for all of Fayetteville’s residents. Both are extreme disappointments.

Read on. Kirby and Mohn say it best. Enjoy. And, thanks for reading Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper.

Bill Kirby Jr.: City councilman says change in term length is a decision for residents alone

By Bill Kirby Jr.

If a new Fayetteville City Council member cannot get up to speed on long-term strategic planning for the city, then that City Council member should not be on the council. But that’s freshman Councilman Derrick Thompson’s position in hoping to change council member terms from two years to staggered four-year terms.

“I think it’s crucial that if we want to make such a drastic change to the way that this city operates that it once again goes to the vote of the people and should not rely simply on City Council to benefit themselves by changing the rules to give themselves more time,” says Mario Benavente, also a freshman councilman. And well said, councilman.

Benavente has support from Kathy Keefe Jensen, who says her north Fayetteville residents are fine with two-year terms.

The council, by vote of Mayor Mitch Colvin, Mayor Pro Tem Johnny Dawkins and council members D.J. Haire, Shakeyla Ingram, Courtney Banks-McLaughlin, Brenda McNair, Deno Hondros and Thompson, has called for a public hearing in the council chamber on April 10 to hear how you feel about it.

A chamber of 15 to 20 people speaking at a public hearing does not speak for this city, and neither does a mayor, a mayor pro tem and six council members. City residents estimated at 208,000 do, and the truth is less than three quarters of them even take the time to vote.
• • •
Councilman Derrick Thompson says he is not a “politician” and only trying to save the city money and do what is best for the city when it comes to staggered, four-year council terms. Former council member Ted Mohn begs to differ, and the former mayor pro tem doesn’t mince his words.

Ted Mohn Begs to Differ

“Derrick Thompson is nothing like a Bill Crisp in D6,” Mohn says in an email referencing the late District 6 councilman who served six two-year council terms before stepping down in 2017 because of declining health.

“Derrick Thompson appears simply as an arrogant, self-serving politician. Bill Crisp was often quoted saying that while he was elected in District 6, his beat was the entire city of Fayetteville. Derrick Thompson is a typical politician pandering to his specific council district. Derrick Thompson's narrow-minded views of not wanting this on the ballot is a total disgrace to Bill Crisp's legacy.”

Those who agree with Thompson, you can be assured, would beg to differ with Mohn. William Crisp died at age 81 on July 28, 2021.

Editor’s note: Bill Kirby’s column appeared on www.cityviewnc.com/ March 17. For background on the proposal to extend City Council term limits, read the article written by CityView Today's Ben Sessoms in the March 15 issue of Up & Coming Weekly or online at https://www.upandcomingweekly.com/local-news-briefs/9614-city-council-sets-public-hearing-on-extending-length-of-election-terms.

“What about the children?”

This was arguably the most frequently posed question by critics in the years prior to state-level marijuana legalization. Many legalization opponents presumed that legalizing cannabis for adults would lead to an increase in marijuana use among teens. But 10 years following the first states’ decisions to legalize, data conclusively shows that these fears were unfounded.
For example, recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined that the percentage of high schoolers who report having used cannabis over the past 30 days actually fell from 23% in 2011 to 16% in 2021.

Likewise, the percentage of teens who acknowledge having ever tried cannabis has similarly declined. These downward trends coincide with the period when over 20 U.S. states legalized cannabis use by adults.
Those states have experienced similar declines in underage use. According to the findings of a 2020 study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, the adoption of state-level legalization laws “predicted a small significant decline in the level of marijuana use among [youth] users.”

Another study published in JAMA Pediatrics similarly concluded: “Marijuana use among youth may actually decline after legalization for recreational purposes,” since “it is more difficult for teenagers to obtain marijuana as drug dealers are replaced by licensed dispensaries that require proof of age.”

In fact, data from California, Colorado, and other legal states confirms that licensed cannabis retailers seldom if ever sell marijuana products to customers who lack proper ID.
Data published last year in the Journal of Safety Research reported that in California, where the adult-use market has been legally regulated since 2016, “there was 100% compliance with the ID policy to keep underage patrons from purchasing marijuana directly from licensed outlets.”

In short, states’ real-world experience with marijuana legalization affirms that these policies can be implemented in a way that provides regulated access for adults while simultaneously limiting youth access and misuse.

That’s one among many of the reasons why public support for adult-use cannabis legalization has risen dramatically over the past decade and remains at record highs.

To date, not a single state that has implemented legalization has reversed course. That’s because these policies are working largely as politicians and voters intended — and because they are preferable to marijuana prohibition.

Ultimately, common sense regulation allowing for the legal, licensed commercial production and sale of cannabis best addresses adult consumers’ demand while keeping marijuana products largely out of the hands of young people.

By contrast, the continued criminalization of cannabis only compounds the public safety risks posed to young people and others by the unregulated marketplace.

Editor’s note: Paul Armentano is the Deputy Director of NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, and the co-author of the book "Marijuana is Safer: So Why Are We Driving People to Drink?" This op-ed was released by OtherWords.org, run by the Institute for Policy Studies.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan announced a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation at a press conference in Wilmington on March 14. The regulation applies to six PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) also known as “forever chemicals” that can be found in drinking water.

Regan told a crowd at UNC Wilmington, “EPA is proposing the first ever national standard to protect communities from PFAS in drinking water.”

The proposed plan, which won’t be completed until later this year, will have the largest impact on public water utilities. Utilities will be required to constantly monitor for the six PFAS which include PFOA and PFOS as individual contaminants, and PFHxS, PFNA, PFBS, and GenX as a mixture. Notifications to the public of PFAS levels and a reduction of contamination if levels exceed the standards are also required.
NCDEQ Secretary Elizabeth Biser who also spoke at the announcement noted that the North Carolina DEQ Action Strategy for PFAS which was released in June of last year has the department already working on PFAS contamination with water utilities and municipalities.

“The state is taking a whole department approach for PFAS. Under our Action Strategy, our approach is to research, regulate, or remediate,” Biser said. “We focus on protecting communities through research and identifying where PFAS contamination exists.”

North Carolina was at the center of national attention in 2017 when the Wilmington Star-News ran a story about GenX in the Lower Cape Fear River Basin. GenX is a chemical used to make Teflon, firefighting foam, solar panels, and other products according to a report from the John Locke Foundation. The chemical made its way into the Cape Fear River in Bladen County at the Chemours Fayetteville Works plant.

EPA Compound Chat

“Dr. Knappe, an engineering professor at North Carolina State, and his students were conducting water sampling in the Cape Fear River when they discovered the presence of a toxic chemical compound known as GenX,” EPA Administrator Regan continued. “Chemours, a chemical manufacturing company in Fayetteville, had been deliberately polluting the air and water with these chemicals for decades.”

Unlike prior advisories from EPA about PFAS and drinking water, the new proposed regulations come with enforceable metrics.

“EPA is proposing to establish legally enforceable levels for six PFAS known to occur in drinking water,” Regan said.
Currently, each state is left to handle its own regulations and enforcement. In North Carolina, DEQ has a consent order with Chemours and Cape Fear River Watch which requires the chemical maker to reduce their PFAS emission by 99.9%.

“Long-term exposure to certain types of PFAS have been linked to serious illnesses, including cancer, liver damage, and high cholesterol,” Regan said. However, the health effects of PFAS are still largely unknown.

“We anticipate that when fully implemented, this rule will prevent thousands of deaths and reduce tens of thousands of serious PFAS related illnesses.,” Regan said.

A public hearing on the proposed rule is set for May 4. The public comment period will open following the proposed rule publishing in the Federal Register. Public comments can be provided at that time at www.regulations.gov under Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0114.

An annual wellness exam with a health care provider is important for everyone, but especially for older adults. As we age, we are more likely to develop chronic health conditions, according to Dr. J.B. Sobel, chief medical officer for Cigna Medicare.

An annual wellness exam can help detect potential health issues early so they can be addressed before they worsen, he added.

“By meeting with your primary care provider early in the year, you can highlight the things that are important to you, and work together to develop a plan for your care for the year ahead,” Sobel said.
A number of annual check-ups are available at no extra cost to those with Medicare. They include a “Welcome to Medicare” visit for customers who have just reached Medicare eligibility and an “Annual Wellness Exam” for existing customers. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer more extensive annual visits at no extra cost.

Each annual exam may be a little different. Regardless of the type, Sobel offers the following tips to ensure you get the most from your visit.
Prepare. Before you go, write down anything you’d like to discuss with your health care provider, including changes to your health over the past year. Bring your prescription and over-the-counter medications with you. Ask plenty of questions and take notes. You might even want to take along a family member, trusted friend or caregiver to ensure you understand everything your provider has shared.

Be open and honest. It’s tempting to make things look rosier than they are when talking to your health care provider, but minimizing what you are feeling can lead to an incorrect diagnosis or prescription. Speak openly about unhealthy habits, like smoking or lack of exercise. Being honest is the only way your health care provider can help you reach your goals.

Mind mental health. Your emotional health impacts your physical health. Many people think depression is a natural part of aging, but it doesn’t have to be. Talk to your doctor if you are feeling sad, anxious or hopeless. Treatments, such as talk therapy, medication or both, may be covered by Medicare.

Monitor medications. Adults age 65 and older tend to take more medications than other age groups, increasing the risk for adverse reactions, such as cognitive impairment and falls. It’s a good idea to take your medications to your annual wellness exam and discuss any potential problems or side effects you’re experiencing. Don’t forget about over-the-counter drugs, vitamins or nutritional supplements you take.

Schedule screenings and get vaccines. There are a number of important health screenings and vaccines that you may need depending on your age and gender, such as colon cancer screening, bone density test, mammogram, flu shot or COVID-19 immunization. Ask your provider about the screenings and vaccines you’ve had already and schedule any you need as soon as possible. You may even be able to do that before you leave the office.

Also, don’t forget to visit your eye doctor and dentist. These visits are covered by many Medicare Advantage plans as well. Find out more at www.cignamedicare.com.

“You wouldn’t drive your vehicle without proper preventive maintenance, so please don’t ignore preventive maintenance for your most prized possession — your health,” Sobel said. “An annual wellness exam is a great place to start!”

The Fort Bragg All American Races, featuring a half marathon and a 5K, are returning to an in-person format for 2023.

For the past three years the races were made virtual due to the pandemic and on-going deployments.

This year, participants will be able to come together on March 25 on the installation as both the half marathon and the 5K start and end at the Main Post Parade Field on Fort Bragg. The start time for the half marathon is 7 a.m., followed by the 5K start at 7:30 a.m. Half marathoners will have four hours to complete the race.

Post-race activities include entertainment from the 82nd Airborne Division Band, military equipment displays, bounce houses, beer and food trucks.

Formally nicknamed “Mike to Mike,” the half marathon race used to start in downtown Fayetteville at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum Iron Mike Statue and end next to the Iron Mike Statue on Fort Bragg. In an effort to bring the community together, the event is open to the public and the route will showcase the beauty and history of the installation.

Registration is available online at https://bragg.armymwr.com/programs/all-american-races. Military half marathon pricing is $75 and $85 for civilian participants. Pricing for the 5K is $30 for military and $35 for civilian. Every registered runner will receive an All American Races participant T-shirt, race bib and a custom race medal.

Competitors have the chance in earning top three male, female and wheelchair athlete awards, as well as age group awards. Participants must be 16 years of age or older for the half marathon and the 5K is open to all ages. The 5K is walker and stroller friendly, but dogs are not allowed.

For more information call 910-396-6991 or 910-643-4600 or visit https://bragg.armymwr.com/programs/all-american-races

Scams and fraud are more deceiving these days, reaching you in more ways than ever before. The FTC reported 2.8 million fraud reports from consumers in 2021 alone, with reported fraud losses increasing 70% from 2020 and more than $5.8 million.

Identity theft protection expert Carrie Kerskie says being aware of what new cyber and phone fraud trends to look out for is your biggest defense against unwanted fraud.

“The more that we can get this information out there the better,” Kerskie recently told T-Mobile Stories, “Unfortunately when it comes to technology, privacy and identity theft, the same old advice that was given 10, 15 years ago is still the gospel of what you’re supposed to do. And that is outdated. None of it works. It’s not true, it’s not relevant anymore.”

Scammers have expanded from targeting consumers with only traditional email and phone calls. The most recent trending scams are occurring using person-to-person payment platforms or P2P, remote access software and even public Wi-Fi.

Kerskie says the most desirable accounts to criminals include bank accounts, mobile phone accounts, credit card accounts and Amazon accounts. Now, with P2P payment platforms, criminals can get access to your bank account and use it to transfer money within moments.

The latest tactic that concerns Kerskie is using remote access software to gain access to everything on your computer without having to directly ask you for things like your social security number, bank account or credit card number.

While many workers use remote access software safely from their companies’ IT departments, criminals are also using this software in their scams.

Criminals also try to access your information in settings like coffee shops or libraries using public Wi-Fi. A laptop or smartphone using public Wi-Fi can easily fall victim to scams. An easy fix is to use your smartphone’s wireless data and hotspot to help keep your personal information secure.

Kerskie says there are ways to keep scammers and fraud at bay.

Prioritize Privacy: Kerskie says, if it’s easy for you, it’s easy for a criminal. Privacy means having strong and unique passwords with a minimum of 12 characters, and for pins using random numbers and taking advantage of extra security. Enabling multi-factor authentication on your various apps and accounts will also protect yourself from potential threats.

Use Available Resources: Take advantage of the free anti-fraud safeguards offered by your mobile carrier. In the case of T-Mobile's Scam Shield, services include enhanced caller ID, scam ID and blocking, which flags suspicious calls and gives customers the option of blocking those numbers. Additionally, customers can get a free second number to keep their personal number personal, or even change their primary number completely.

Validate or Eliminate: Whatever potential threat you come across via email, text message, letter or even a phone call, try to validate the information. If you cannot confirm the information is true or confirm the senders’ validity, throw it away, block the phone number or email address and report it as spam or junk mail.

As potential cyber threats and fraud evolve, it’s important to understand how they work. Doing so will help you stay safeguarded and protected.

“Motownphilly’s back again!” for one special evening at the Crown Theatre.

Legendary R&B group Boyz II Men will take to the stage Saturday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. in a concert Fayetteville fans aren’t likely to forget. With their multi-octave vocals and universal themes on loss, love and family, the generational appeal of Boyz II Men is solidified by those who remember their hits from the early 90s and newer listeners who’ve come to know them as the genre-crossing elder statesmen of R&B they are today.

In a career spanning over three decades, Boyz II Men, known for their distinctive vocal harmonies, is considered the best-selling R&B group of all time. With hits like “End of the Road,” “A Song for Mama,” and “On Bended Knee,” Boyz II Men, over the years, has spent a combined 50 weeks in the top spot on the Billboard Music Charts, a distinction shared only with the likes of Rhianna, The Beatles, Drake and Elvis — to name a few.

The Beginning

Formed in 1985 at the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, Boyz II Men was discovered by Michael Bivins of New Edition and then signed to Motown records.
The label, which touted stars such as Diana Ross and the Jackson 5, found true star power in the young quartet, consisting of Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman, Wanya Morris, and Michael McCrary, who would go on to release six albums together.

In a move to bring R&B music back into the mainstream as it had been 20 years prior, Boyz II Men was successful in moving the traditional “Motown Sound” to less traditional audiences. Berry Gordy Jr., the founder of Motown Records, hailed them as a group “that could have been as much a part of the original Motown as it is the current company.”

Following the departure of McCrary in 2003 due to health concerns, Boyz II Men continued as a trio, releasing another seven albums between 2004 and 2017. Today, the group continues to tour and collaborate with other artists across all genres. In 2019 the R&B group was nominated for a Country Music Award for their work with country music artist Brett Young. That same year, Boyz II Men collaborated with Charlie Puth on the well-received “If You Leave Me Now” and opened for Bruno Mars on his 24K Magic Tour, creating new fans along the way.

The “hip hop doo-wop,” which marked their earlier sound under the direction of Michael Bivins and his group Bell Biv Devoe, gave way to the soulful ballads and skillful a capella which skyrocketed them to stardom in the early to mid-90s. Blending pop, soul, hop-hop and elements of gospel, the Boyz II Men brand was synonymous with talent and cross-over appeal. With over 64 million records sold, four Grammy wins, nine American Music Awards, three Billboard Awards, nine Soul Train Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a successful Las Vegas residency, Boyz II Men are, to this day, considered the gold standard in music entertainment.

As one of the most successful and visible R&B groups of the 90s, Boyz II Men is a model of industry excellence that has heavily influenced mega-stars like Beyonce, Usher and Justin Timberlake. Often dressed in their trademark jeans, sweater vests, and collared shirts, Boyz II Men has achieved and maintained astounding longevity without losing touch with their roots or fans.

For all their time in the spotlight, the group has managed to sidestep the more unsavory aspects of fame that have overtaken the careers of many of their contemporaries. They’ve maintained an image of wholesomeness, class and likability which speaks to their universal appeal — they just seem like really nice guys.

Beyond the Stage

In the years since their debut album, “Cooleyhighharmony,” hit the airwaves, Boyz II Men has also succeeded in sectors beyond the stage.

In 2020, the band launched a line of wines, appropriately called Harmony Wines, which feature grapes grown with Boyz II Men’s smooth, rich music playing in the background. In addition to their entrepreneurial pursuits, the band also runs a charity called Boyz II Men House which “lends support to individuals and organizations that focus on improving quality of life and helping to unlock human potential, while contributing to the health and vitality of those less fortunate,” according to a concert press release.

It’s then fitting that The Boyz II Men concert event is part of the 87th season of Community Concerts, Fayetteville’s oldest arts organization.

Community Concerts

Started in 1935, Community Concerts’ chief objective is to bring “the finest in top-notch entertainment to Fayetteville.” Originally, Community Concerts endeavored to bring in more serious artists, such as dueling pianists, classical musicians, and operettas. Around 30 years ago, generational shifts moved the needle toward popular music, which has proven to be a successful transition.

After the massive success of pop trio The Letterman, Community Concerts moved from then-Methodist College to the Crown Theatre, where it remains to this day. Since its initial foray into more contemporary music, the Crown stage has hosted artists such as Tony Bennett, Olivia Newton-John, and Kenny Rogers. Most recently, Community Concert hosted 70s sensation Earth Wind & Fire last October and superstar country music group Alabama in December.

Michael Fleishmann, Community Concerts’ long-term Attractions Director, spoke about the organization’s efforts to enrich the community.

“This has become a very well-respected arts organization,” he shared with Up & Coming Weekly. “We try to be very diverse. We’ve done rock, country, Broadway, comedians, even magicians — we try to appeal to all ages and genders."

One exciting element of the Boyz II Men concert is the return of the Fayetteville Music Hall of Fame, created by Community Concerts in 2008. It has been on hiatus since the rise of COVID-19 three years ago.
The Fayetteville Music Hall of Fame honors those who have brought “musical distinction to the community.” Honorees include the owner of Daxwood Records, Doyle Wood, and the 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus.

A season, which typically takes 5-6 months to put together, is an effort Fleishmann is proud to be a part of, citing the city’s consistent support of art and artists within the community.

“Fayetteville really has a lot of wonderful art opportunities,” he commented. “Community Concerts has been very fortunate; the community and city have supported us for years, for generations. There are people who come to our shows who have been with us for 30 years.”

Ultimately, no matter who comes to the stage, the community and the people who live here are the real stars of the show.

“It’s all about doing something nice for Fayetteville,” Fleishmann admitted. “We do it for the community.”

Tickets for the Boyz II Men Concert range from $59-$139 and are selling out fast. To purchase, visit https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/boz-ii-men.

Want something new to worry about? Don’t have enough on your mind to keep you awake at 3 a.m.? Bored pondering the possible collapse of the banking system courtesy of the Silicon Valley Bank canary in the financial coal mine?

If you thought the “Cocaine Bear” was dangerous, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Instead of counting sheep, try counting Super Pigs.

The Canadian Super Pigs are coming. The Super Pigs have discovered the source of BBQ. They are not happy. Vengeance is mine, saith the Super Pigs. Porcine awareness of Southerners’ fondness for The Holy Grub, BBQ, has triggered an army of revenge seeking Super Pigs heading south from Canada.

Unsure what a Super Pig is? Allow me to elucidate about the origin of the species. Super Pigs are the intellectually gifted porcine version of ChatGPT Artificial Intelligence. No less an authority than Field and Stream magazine as quoted in Popular Mechanics lays out what is happening in the wonderful world of wild pigs. Naturally it involves man messing around with Mother Nature. As the old Chiffon margarine ad used to say: “It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature.”

Our usually polite neighbors to the north created this exciting new problem. About 20 years ago, Canadian farmers got the bright idea to cross breed wild boars with regular industrial farm pigs to produce bigger pigs that could better tolerate cold temperatures. What they got were Super Pigs, who, like Yogi Bear, were bigger and smarter than the average pig.

All was well until the price of pork dropped. Canadian farmers were left with a bunch of hybrid savvy large pigs they could not sell for a profit. Like Tesla cars, not all of the implications of breeding Super Pigs were carefully considered. Instead of continuing to feed their Super Pigs, the farmers decided to let them run free into the Canadian wilderness.

Super Pigs in the wild do what Super Pigs in captivity do when the cable vision goes out. They make whoopee with other Super Pigs producing more herds of Super Pigs. Fun fact: a herd of pigs is called a Sounder. This factoid may come in handy if you are ever on “Jeopardy” and the category is Animal Herds.

As Super Pigs were fertile and multiplied, they began to move South without going through U.S. Immigration and Naturalization procedures. They are now in the great states of Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota and Michigan according to Field and Stream.

A spokesman for the Canadian Wild Pig Research Project (I am not making this up) said: “That they can survive in such a cold climate is one of the big surprises of this issue. Wild hogs feed on anything. They gobble up tons and tons of goslings and ducklings in the spring. They can take down a white tail deer, even an adult.”

If you see a Super Pig there is even a Canadian website to report sightings at “Squeal on Pigs”.
Unfortunately for humanity, Super Pigs have an excellent military leader named Colonel Pigasus leading their infiltration south into the U.S. Like Colonel Walter Kurtz in the movie “Apocalypse Now,” Colonel Pigasus is “out there operating without any decent restraint, totally beyond the pale of any acceptable conduct. And he is still in the field commanding troops of Super Pigs.”

Field and Stream reports the Super Pigs have learned to avoid hunters by becoming nocturnal. The Sounders have learned when to “disperse making them harder to locate or change their patterns and retreat into forests and wet lands.”

These are no ordinary porkers. They are the Practical Pig on too many steroids. You would not like them when they are angry. Roid rage in a Super Pig is double plus ungood.
In the fight against the spread of Super Pigs, Canada has come up with a top secret defensive weapon Code Name: Judas Pig. Canadian Mountie Dudley DoRight and his troops catch Super Pigs and strap GPS monitors on them. Using the Catch-and-Release model used so successfully by INS at the border with Mexico, Judas Pigs are then released back into the wild.

Judas Pigs, using their superior intellect, will link up with the marauding free range Sounders. This allows Dudley DoRight to follow the GPS signal to track the Sounders. Once the Sounders are located, they are terminated with extreme prejudice. To protect Dudley from PETA and social media attacks, his mission does not exist and will never exist.

So, what have we learned today? Once again, not much, but something. Mother Nature will not be mocked. Baby pigs are proof that a lady pig looks good to a boy pig. Genetic engineering of wild boars and domestic pigs can lead to a shortage of BBQ.

You had better go to the Carthage International Airport Pik & Pig café as soon as possible because the Super Pigs are on their way. You never miss the BBQ until the Super Pigs come by.

The Fayetteville Technical Community College Foundation is proud to present its 3rd Annual Trojan Fit 5K Color Run on April 22.

The event will take place at FTCC's Fayetteville campus with two different routes to accommodate all who want to participate. There will be a full 5K route for the more “color-tastic” runners and a slightly shorter route for strollers, bikers, and walkers.

This community 5K was created to include everyone and to have fun.

Participating in the event as a runner or walker costs $35.00, including the Annual Trojan Fit 5K Color Run Shirt. Participants can register, pay online and even explore the website for the race map and additional information. The map gives a visual of the path and labels where the color and drink stations will be located.

This race is truly created for everyone in mind to participate and support in their personal way. For those who do not want to run but still wish to participate, you can register as a sponsor and donate.
The race will also host various local vendors and the FTCC campus clubs. This is a great way to see what is locally available in Fayetteville and what FTCC students do for their campus community.

The Trojan Fit 5K Color Run is a huge campus event requiring a lot of support and coordination from faculty and staff. If you want to help support the Trojan Fit 5K team, you can also sign up to volunteer.
Volunteers will have various jobs, such as working water stations, checking-in, working color stations, and so much more.

The purposes of FTCC’s Foundation are (1) To raise money from private sources to build up the FTCC Foundation financial base, (2) To manage the collection, investment, and distribution of private gifts for FTCC students, faculty, and staff, (3) And to provide meaningful programs and services to FTCC alumni and friends by managing an effective alumni program.

The FTCC Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Providing a donation to FTCC Foundation means an opportunity to make a positive difference for qualifying students who are trying to improve their quality of life through education.

We hope you will come out to FTCC’s beautiful Fayetteville campus to support your local community and students of Fayetteville Technical Community College by participating in the 3rd Annual Trojan Fit 5K Color

Run! It’s a great way for everyone to enjoy outdoors on a spring day, to meet new friends, and to contribute in a positive way to the community by helping FTCC students.

For more information, please visit www.faytechcc.edu/foundation-events/, email foundation@faytechcc.edu, or call 910-678-8441.

March is Women’s History Month. This year's theme, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” acknowledges the pioneering women, past and present, as important contributors to the achievements of the military services and civilian workforce, stated Gilbert R. Cisneros Jr., Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness in a memorandum.

“We recognize the accomplishments of women in the department and their contributions to national security which helps maximize the department’s warfighting capabilities,” he stated, providing examples:
These women and their stories represent the many untold stories in DOD of women who took on mission-critical assignments and advanced as leaders in the military, research, science, technology, engineering and mathematics, he stated.

“The department celebrates their collective victories which strengthen our workforce because we can leverage their unique experiences, perspectives and expertise in support of our mission. In addition, they inspire future generations of young women from all backgrounds who desire to be a part of the department and share in its mission,” Cisneros stated.

In 1971, women made up just 1% of the military services. Ten years later, it was 8.5%

However, women at that time were not allowed to serve in combat military occupational specialties like infantry, artillery and combat aviation.

As of Oct. 2022, there were 231,147 women who made up around 18% of the department’s active duty force and all jobs have opened to them in recent years. Also, about 33% of DOD civilians are women.
In the Coast Guard, as of Jan. 31, there were 6,220 active duty women out of about 41,000 total members.

In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month in perpetuity. A special presidential proclamation is issued every year which honors their extraordinary achievements to include those who have or are serving in the armed forces.

Although there were instances of women serving in the military in every U.S. war, it wasn't until World War I when policy allowed them to serve in non-combat jobs to free up men to fight. Altogether, about 34,000 women served during World War II in the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. The Army only allowed women to serve as nurses.

With the end of the war on Nov. 11, 1918, women in all military branches were demobilized except for some Army and Navy nurses. During World War II, the military once again faced a manpower shortage as they had in World War I. The services began accepting women who served in the Women's Army Corps; the Navy’s Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, more commonly known as WAVES; the Marine Corps Women's Reserve; and the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve.

The acronym for the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve, interestingly, is SPAR, which stands for Semper Paratus — Always Ready. In June 1948 President Harry S. Truman signed the Women’s Armed Service Integration Act allowing women to receive regular permanent status in the armed forces, which by then included the Air Force.

In addition to Women's History Month, there’s also International Women’s Day, which is celebrated March 8 of each year. In a statement on that day, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III noted that DOD “recognizes the tremendous, enduring contributions that women soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, guardians and civilian employees have made in service to our country.”

From America’s first days, women have made profound sacrifices. They have made innovative contributions to national security and blazed trails for future generations, Auston said.

Since the Revolutionary War, more than 3 million women have served, even before the military fully recognized their service, he noted.

“Though the Department has made significant progress to break down stubborn barriers for women in the U.S. military, we know that we still have more to do to promote inclusion and well-being and to give all our teammates the opportunity to rise to their full potential,” Austin stated.

“I am personally committed to this vital work. To ensure that we continue to have the strongest fighting force in the world, we must draw on the full power of all our people,” he added.

Fayetteville PWC will host its premiere free and annual Power & Water Conservation Expo, allowing individuals and families to learn about conservation and how to save on their utility bills.

The Power & Water Conservation Expo is on Friday, March 24, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at SkyView on Hay in downtown Fayetteville, located at 121 Hay Street. The event is open to all, and admission is free.

The event will feature a variety of experts from PWC. The Expo is an excellent opportunity for PWC customers to speak with customer service representatives in person instead of on the phone; they can help answer your questions.

Those in attendance can learn about PWC’s incentive programs, such as how attendees can benefit from the federal income tax credits by making their homes more energy efficient. That helps the environment while reducing energy costs by talking to an incentive program specialist who could help you save money.

PWC linemen will also be present for those in attendance to meet and answer questions about what they do.

The Watershed staff will also be available to explain how your drinking water quality is protected. Further, according to a representative from Fayetteville PWC, job seekers should also attend the Expo because a representative will be available to discuss the various job opportunities at PWC.

There will be free give-away boxes filled with conservation goodies, including LED bulbs, that will be available for those in attendance to take home. The first 500 in attendance will receive a free tote bag.

Attendees can also pick up a ‘Fat Trapper’ to help ‘Cease the Grease,’ and learn how to properly dispose of fats and oils to help prevent clogging pipes.

According to the PWC website, the ‘Fat Trapper’ is a plastic unit with a foil-lined bag to pour your fat and grease in. PWC customers can register to win a $100 credit on their bill.

The family-friendly expo will also have a ‘Kids Korner’ with fun activities for children to learn about conservation.

The expo is an opportunity for customers looking to learn, grow and conserve. So mark your calendar for Friday, March 24, and attend the PWC’s 9th annual Power & Water Conservation Expo.
For more information, visit https://www.faypwc.com/pwc-expo/ or call 910-223-4009.

On Saturday, March 11, at around 1:30 in the afternoon: I was brave.

Now, it’s not something for which I plan to make a full-time habit, but it's nice to know it’s in there somewhere.

When I was offered an opportunity to go “Over the Edge” for United Way of Cumberland County, I’ll be honest — I did not want to. Despite the wonderful work United Way does for our community by funding initiatives and connecting people to vital resources for the betterment of their lives, writing a check seemed like a better plan than rappelling down a 50-foot building.

The “Over The Edge” fundraiser called upon people in the community to help United Way of Cumberland County reach their goal of $140,000 by raising money for the opportunity to rappel down the Cape Fear Valley Medical Arts Center in downtown Fayetteville. Fun, right?

Initially, blind excitement edged out my well-documented fear of heights and general lack of athletic skill. However, as the days ticked closer, I had some doubts. My focus became less and less “this is going to be so awesome!” to “how do I get out of this?”

I went over every conceivable possibility of disaster. Sure, 50 feet may not seem like much, but for me, they may have well asked me to rappel from the moon. Two hours before my check-in time, I embodied the phrase “green around the gills.” A slow-moving dread made every step toward the brightly canopied kiosk not only difficult but painful. Still, with anxiety beating in my throat like a heart, I stepped up and signed in.

So, why bother? Great question, and the answer is twofold: one, I believe in what United Way is doing for Cumberland County, and two, I recently had a birthday.
While I won’t provide an exact number, chiefly because seeing it in print will make me cry, I can confidently say I’m old enough to remember hearing the Backstreet Boys’ debut single on the radio but young enough to reboot my own router. The point is the older I get, the more determined I am to do the things that scare me.

As a mother, I want my kids to see me at my most amazing, and as a wife, I want to remind my husband what a rockstar he married. Most of all, I just wanted to say to myself: yeah, you were scared, but you did it anyway.

And I’m so glad I did. The experience itself, despite weeks of worry, was phenomenal and went more smoothly than I could have imagined.

Upon entering the building, I was helped into my gear immediately by a very patient man who didn’t seem to mind my minute-to-minute pivot between nervous laughter and hyperventilation. He was thorough, checked everything twice, and when I was properly rigged, sent me to another gentleman for a final check. I can honestly say this reduced my overall fear by about 40%.

My journey to the roof by way of 24 stairs was a long one, each step bringing me closer to an experience I wasn’t sure I could handle. But I’d made a commitment to United Way and a commitment to myself — turning back was not an option.

It was a beautiful day, a bit cold but clear, and it felt comforting to stand in the sunshine to await my fate. After a short but effective lesson on how to use my gear, which ropes and levers to pull, and the many, many built-in safety features to keep me from plummeting to the earth, it was my turn.

Gulp.

I was helped to the edge of the roof, heels dangling over nothing, and panic ran through me like a current. Though I’d practiced sitting back in my harness and trusting it to hold me earlier in the week, it was nothing compared to taking that first step off the ledge.

Downtown Fayetteville is beautiful from 50 feet up in the air.

After that initial cautious step of faith, I had a little time to appreciate the view of our beautiful city. As I made my way down, I realized how silly I’d been. The lesson, though brief, helped me feel safe and confident as I scaled down the Medical Arts building with an agility akin to Spider-Man (I hope) and amongst the cheers calling for me to “go, girl!” I could hear my family urging me on from below. At that moment, I felt like flying.

Now, safely on the ground, I look back at the experience with no small measure of pride. I did a scary thing, and I survived. I need to keep that in mind. After all, to date, I’ve belly danced, shot 70 feet in the air over a fan, and made a valiant attempt to “hoist” myself through aerial rings (in front of people), none of which I’d ever thought I’d do.

It’s important to remember I’ve been brave before.

Editor’s note: Donations for the United Way of Cumberland County Over the Edge campaign can be made until April 11 at https://give.overtheedge.events/ote-UWCumberlandCounty?ref=sh_7BzjN7_ab_9JPwHafblln9JPwHafblln

Cumberland County Schools Superintendent Marvin Connelly Jr. has added two educators to his leadership team.
The Board of Education approved the administrative appointments on March 14., according to a news release.

Mellotta B. Hill was named chief academic officer.

Hill earned a bachelor of science degree in elementary education at East Carolina University in 1993; a master of school administration degree from Fayetteville State University in 2003; and a doctor of education in educational leadership from Fayetteville State University in 2014.

Hill started her career as a fourth-grade teacher in Pitt County Schools. She moved to CCS and taught at Ferguson-Easley Elementary School. Since then, she has worked in numerous capacities, including North Carolina Principal Fellows intern; assistant principal and principal; assistant superintendent of K-12 instructional programs.

Jennifer L. Lloyd was named director of professional development.

Lloyd earned a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Pittsburg State University in 2001 and a master of science degree in education with a specialization in reading and literacy from Capella University in 2019.

An educator for more than 20 years, she began teaching third-graders in 2002 at Pocalla Springs Elementary School in Sumter, South Carolina. She relocated to CCS as a remediation tutor and then an instructional coach at J.W. Seabrook Elementary School. Lloyd joined the Central Services staff as grants management coordinator, K-5 English language arts curriculum specialist, and instructional programs coordinator.

The architect for the John W. Hodges Public Safety Center will ask for more than $1 million to finish the project when the town board meets Monday night, March 20.

Scott Garner says a budget amendment in the amount of $1,172,250 will cover the remainder of the building.
The Board of Commissioners will meet at 7 p.m. in Town Hall.

“The additional budget covers the Phase 1, survey and title insurance for the new parking lot portion, interest on the construction loan extension, and additional furniture and change orders, …” says town Finance Director Drew Holland in a memo to interim Town Manager Chancer Mclaughlin.

“We have reduced the budget amounts for building lease and miscellaneous, allocating $22,500 of the interest income we have received. A majority of the budget amendment is showing the remaining contingency of $730,426. This will allow the total project budget for USDA financing to equal the $17 million cap we set at the beginning of the project,” wrote Holland.

The town’s staff recommends approving the budget amendment.

In other business, a public hearing is scheduled on a contiguous annexation of 8.11 acres at Waldo’s Beach and Camden roads.

Also, the board will hear a rezoning case that would change 15.11 acres from R7.5 single-family residential to CP2 planned service and retail classification. The property is at 7050 Rockfish Road. The request was submitted on behalf of Crosspoint Church, owner of the property.

Anyone who wishes to speak during the public-comment period is asked to sign up 15 minutes before the start of the meeting and to limit comments to three minutes.

Under new business, the town will consider setting a public hearing at 7 p.m. April 3 on the proposed annexation of land contiguous with the town limits. The 8.23-acre property belongs to Bridgeport Homes and is near the intersection of Hunting Ridge and Rockfish roads.

The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners on Monday, March 20 is scheduled to consider an agreement between the county and all its municipalities on how they will share sales tax revenue for the next two years.

Former County Manager Amy Cannon late last year warned the commissioners that the deadline to submit a request to the N.C. General Assembly to change the way tax revenue is distributed would be in April. County administrators presented the board an option of moving to the ad valorem method, which means distribution based on the proportion of the total tax levy each entity accounts for. That method would provide more revenue for the county.

The county currently distributes sales tax revenue on a per capita basis, but it has an interlocal agreement with the municipalities to share the growth in tax revenue on a 40%-60% basis, with the county receiving 40% of the growth revenue.

The issue is on the board’s consent agenda for its meeting scheduled at 6:45 p.m. Monday in Room 118 of the Cumberland County Courthouse. The item was not on the agenda at a meeting earlier this month when topics are considered for future board meetings. Items on the consent agenda of regular board meetings typically bypass discussion or debate. However, one commissioner may ask to have an item taken off the consent agenda for discussion.

That request is voted on by the full board.

The distribution method among the county and its municipalities was discussed Feb. 3 by members of the Cumberland County Mayors Coalition, according to Brian Haney, assistant county manager and spokesman for Cumberland County.

“During this meeting, members of the Mayors Coalition expressed their concerns regarding the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners potentially voting to change the sales tax distribution method from per capita to ad valorem,” Haney wrote in an email to explain how the decision came about.

CityView requested a copy of the minutes of the coalition’s meeting from the town of Eastover, whose staff was responsible for the minutes of that meeting.

The Eastover town clerk has not responded to that request.

According to Cumberland County’s website, the coalition consists of the mayors of Eastover, Falcon, Fayetteville, Godwin, Hope Mills, Linden, Spring Lake, Stedman and Wade. The chair of the county commissioners also is a coalition member. The coalition meets quarterly at varying locations.

The current sales tax agreement was agreed upon and signed by all coalition members in 2003 and expires on June 30. If no agreement is reached and the county changes to the ad valorem distribution method, it could mean significant loss of sales tax revenue for the municipalities.

The county had offered an agreement that delays the change to ad valorem taxation until June 2025, but Cumberland County would receive 100% of any growth revenue. The agreement had to be approved by all municipalities before March 15 or the county would have proceeded with the move to the ad valorem formula.

On Feb. 3, Chairwoman Toni Stewart, a member of the coalition, and Vice Chairman Glenn Adams, along with county administrators, attended the Mayors Coalition meeting. Stewart was presented with an initial agreement proposing the renewal of the existing agreement for five years under the same terms.

“This renewal had been approved by all municipal boards but was done without consultation or discussion with the Board of Commissioners or county staff,” according to Haney.

Stewart and Adams met with the chair and vice chair of the Mayors Coalition and asked that they provide an alternative proposal to the five-year extension, according to Haney.

On Feb. 17, the county board received a letter from the Mayors Coalition stating that the “request to continue the current agreement for five years is negotiable” and that the municipalities “will support continuing current dollar amounts with the county receiving all the growth for a shorter amount of time to allow the municipalities to prepare for the loss of revenue,” according to Haney.

Stewart on Feb. 24 sent a letter to Mayors Coalition Chair Jackie Warner with a proposed amendment to the distribution agreement that addresses concerns raised by the Mayors Coalition while also taking into account the county’s needs. Haney said.

The amendment provides a transition period for implementing the ad valorem distribution of revenue, extending the agreement through June 30, 2025, with 100% of growth revenue during this period going to the county. The chairwoman requested that all municipalities adopt the agreement by March 15 since the Board of Commissioners must vote on any changes to the sales tax distribution method in April, according to Haney.

Since the agreement was adopted by all municipalities, the county will delay changing to the ad valorem distribution method until July 1, 2025. This would coincide with the implementation of the 2025 property reappraisal. Had the new agreement not been adopted, the commissioners would have voted on the ad valorem distribution method in 2023.

“At the direction of the Board of Commissioners, the county attorney drafted a new sales tax agreement with a two-year term and a provision that the county would receive 100% of sales tax growth,” according to a memo to the board from then-interim County Manager Renee Paschal.

“The agreement also puts the municipalities on notice that the Board of Commissioners intends to adopt the ad valorem distribution method effective July 1, 2025. The agreement was sent to all municipalities in Cumberland County with a due date of March 15, 2023. All municipalities have approved the attached agreement,” Paschal states in her memorandum to the board.

She recommended that the board vote to approve the interlocal sales tax agreement effective July 1 this year through June 30, 2025.

Other consent agenda items

Also slated for approval are the fiscal 2024 health insurance plan changes and a request for $350,000 for restoration of the historic Orange Street School.

Presentation

The board will hear a presentation on the fiscal 2022 compliance audit by a representative of Cherry Bekaert LLP, the county’s external auditor.
April Adams, a partner with Cherry Bekaert, is scheduled to present results of the audit, which was completed on March 9. The separate financial audit results were presented at the board’s Jan. 17 meeting, when the commissioners approved an audit contract extension through March 31 to allow time to complete the compliance audit.

There were two findings reported related to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

The county could not provide supporting documentation of the quality reviews for 54 of the 60 case files selected.

In one out of 60 cases audited, the supporting documentation of the rent payment in arrears did not properly support the amount of payment made.

In other business, the board will consider a proposed schedule for fiscal year 2024 budget work sessions and public hearing.